Pattern of Tragedy: Leaders Targeted After Meetings with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev
Slovakian Prime Minister Fico Shot Dead 3 Days After Meeting Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev; Iranian President’s Helicopter Crashes Hours After His Meeting with Aliyev
In a disturbing turn of events, two high-profile leaders suffered violent incidents shortly after their meetings with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot multiple times three days after his encounter with Aliyev, while Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash mere hours after his own meeting with the Azerbaijani leader.
Slovakian PM Fico Expected to Survive After Being Shot Multiple Times
On Wednesday, May 15, Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico was critically injured in a shooting that has been labeled an “attack on democracy.” Despite the severity of his injuries, Fico’s deputy prime minister, Tomas Taraba, reassured the public on Thursday that Fico’s condition was no longer life-threatening. A 71-year-old writer has been detained in connection with the attack.
Fico, who has been serving as prime minister since last year, was shot in the abdomen and immediately transported to a hospital for emergency surgery. Defense Minister Robert Kalinak described the incident as a “political assault,” asserting that Slovakia must respond to such an attack. EU officials have also condemned the shooting, emphasizing the need to protect democratic institutions.
President Zuzana Caputova, a political adversary of Fico, addressed the nation, calling the attack an affront to democracy and a direct result of escalating societal hatred. She urged for an end to violent rhetoric to prevent further tragedies.
Iranian President’s Helicopter Crashes After Meeting with Aliyev
Just days after the incident involving Fico, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s helicopter crashed, killing him and seven others onboard. The crash occurred on Sunday near the border with Azerbaijan, shortly after Raisi had met with Aliyev to inaugurate the Qiz Qalasi and Khoda Afarin dams, a joint hydroelectric project on the Aras river.
The helicopter went down in a remote, mountainous region approximately 58 kilometers south of the Qiz-Qalasi Dam. Iranian authorities have yet to determine the cause of the crash, though initial reports suggest adverse weather conditions, including heavy fog and rain, may have contributed to the accident.
These back-to-back incidents have raised concerns and speculation about the safety and security of international leaders following their meetings with President Aliyev. While investigations are ongoing, the global community watches closely, hoping for clarity and justice in these troubling events.
